Merit Badge Information
- Merit Badge Information Camp Whitsett offers over twenty traditional merit badges for all ages of scouts spread out throughout the camp. This is a preliminary list of merit badges for 2018, the full updated list will come out at the Spring Leaders Meeting.
- As of October 30, 2020 all Aviation Merit Badge programs scheduled through February 27, 2021 will be conducted in a virtual format. Program participants will be able to complete the entire Aviation Merit Badge through a one-day online program and accompanying assignment to be completed at home before or after the program date.
Space Exploration Merit Badge Requirements; 1. Tell the purpose of space exploration and include the following: (a) Historical reasons (b) Immediate goals in terms of specific knowledge (c) Benefits related to Earth resources, technology, and new products (d) International relations and cooperation. Merit Badges Merit badges give scouts the opportunity to investigate around 120 different areas of knowledge and skills. The merit badge program plays a major role in the scouting advancement program and participation can begin as soon as a scout registers with a troop.
SME and the MEC worked with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to develop the Mining in Society merit badge, including the requirements, pamphlet, badge design and other materials. In our ongoing efforts to help Scouts learn about the mining industry and its impact on their lives, we’re pleased to provide this resource page for those earning the badge, their merit badge counselors and others. Have questions? Contact us at mec@smenet.org.
MINING IN SOCIETY ONLINE REFERENCES
Check out these helpful new reference sheets for anyone working toward a Mining in Society Merit Badge!
SME Presentation Handouts
2019 World Scout Jamboree
MEC and SME staff and volunteers hosted a booth at the 24th World Scout Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve BSA facilities in West Virginia, July 22-August 2, 2019. Scouts from around the world learned about the importance of mining and minerals in their daily lives. The focus was on the mined minerals crucial to modern technology, and the booth was entitled, “Modern Mining: Journey to the Middle of Your Mobile.”
Scouts at the World Jamboree could access the booth guide here.
RESOURCES FOR EARNING THE MINING IN SOCIETY MERIT BADGE
Access virtual mine tours.
Find a mining exhibit near you.
View mining education videos.
Download the MiS merit badge requirements.
Print posters to promote the Mining in Society merit badge. Mavis beacon teaches typing deluxe 17 serial free download version.
Plan merit badge workshops involving a mine visit or using other options, including a virtual tour.
Merit Badge Application
MINING PROFESSIONALS: GET INVOLVED!
LEARN MORE
Find answers about the MiS merit badge in the Frequently Asked Questions document.
View arecording of the Mining in Society merit badge counselor webinar.
Learn more about Boy Scouts of America merit badges.
Read the Mining in Society merit badge requirements.
Army Merit Badge
View the Mining in Society merit badge introduction video.
Review the BSA merit badge counselor resources.
Purchase the Mining in Society merit badge pamphlet.
BECOME A MINING IN SOCIETY MERIT BADGE COUNSELOR
Complete an adult application to become a Mining in Society Merit Badge counselor with Boy Scouts of America.
Position code: 42; Scouting position description: Merit Badge Counselor
Create an online account with BSA, then completethe BSA Youth Protection Training (YPT). From the My.Scouting.org portal, click on E-Learning. Print completed certificate.
Contact your local Boy Scouts of America council. Submit your completed adult application, merit badge counselor information form and YPT certificate.
Join the Roll Call! Counselors: let us know you’re out there and sign up for more information and resources.
FYI: The Mining in Society merit badge patch number is 619674.
SUPPORT THE MINING IN SOCIETY MERIT BADGE
Support the experience of the Mining in Society merit badge for Scouts worldwide.
Inform others–spread the word!
MISMB SUCCESS STORIES
Scouts, Scouters, parents, SME members, sections or student chapters: Send us your MiS success stories!
Did you or your Scouts(s) learn or do something exceptional while earning the badge? Did you host a special MiS event? Want to recognize someone who provided outstanding assistance, or just share your thoughts on your experience?
First Aid Merit Badge Information
Please drop us a note at mec@smenet.org – pictures are always welcome, too!
OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST
2017 National Scout Jamboree
MEC and SME staff and volunteers hosted a Mining in Society merit badge booth at the 2017 National Scout Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve BSA facilities in West Virginia, July 19-28, 2017. In all, 2270 Scouts visited the booth, and 618 completed the requirements to earn the merit badge during the Jamboree.
Above, Scouts check out the incredible size of the mining truck tire in a display provided by King Tire Service and Coronado Coal’s Toney Fork mine in Lorado, West Virginia.
Adult volunteers serving as Merit Badge Counselors must be registered as Merit Badge Counselors with the Boy Scouts of America. They must be men and women of good character, age 18 or older, and recognized as having the skills and knowledge of the Merit Badge subject matter, as well as, the ability to work with youth of Boy Scout age. Merit Badge Counselors can opt to only counsel youth in a troop or council-wide.
Here are the steps to becoming a Merit Badge Counselor:
- Complete the BSA Adult Registration Form (link below.) For the position code, use position “42.” No payment is required for Merit Badge Counselor registration.
- Complete the Merit Badge Counselor Information Form (linked below) Note that some merit badges require additional certification or documentation, as explained on the form.
- Complete Youth Protection Training, if you have not been through the training within the last two years. Print a copy of your completion certificate.
- Complete ALL Pennyslvania required clearances
- Collect the above paperwork and submit it to the Council Office.
- Your registration and forms will be checked for errors and a background check will be processed.
- After approval, the Merit Badge Counselor roster will be updated with your information and the badges you have been approved to counsel.
There is no restriction or limit on the number of Merit Badges an individual may be approved to counsel, however, there will be some review of the appropriateness of badges an applicant has requested to counsel.
All Merit Badge Counselors must be trained (Merit Badge Counselor Orientation) in the aims of Boy Scouting, advancement procedures and complete Youth Protection on-line training Annually.
If you are already a Merit Badge Counselor
You make a difference and your service is greatly appreciated. Each year, Merit Badge Counselors are required to renew their Merit Badge Counselor registration and to indicate their willingness to continue serving as a Merit Badge Counselor.
Additionally, the Boy Scouts of America requires that every adult volunteer complete Youth Protection training in order to remain active and registered. The State of Pennsylvania also requires up-to-date Clearances to serve as a Merit Badge Counselor. If you have updated your clearances recently, please submit your current clearances when responding
You will receive an email in Nov/Dec each year to choose to renew or change the badges you counsel. Please make every effort to respond in a timely manner so you aren’t removed from the roster for 2021.